Written Statements

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

Monday 21 July 2025

British Steel

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones)]

The Government committed to updating Parliament on British Steel every four sitting weeks for the duration of the period of special measures being applied under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025.

Government officials continue to work on site in Scunthorpe, supporting British Steel’s management team. Our priorities remain: continuing production, ensuring that critical health and safety issues are being remedied, stabilising operations, and improving the steady state of the business by building additional reserves of the necessary raw materials.

Since my last written ministerial statement on British Steel on 20 June, I have written to several Members in response to further questions. Baroness Jones of Whitchurch has also written to the Constitution Committee, responding to its report on fast-track legislation and the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act. Work continues to develop an impact assessment and to bring forward regulations under section 7 of the Act to allow the Secretary of State to introduce a compensation scheme for steel undertakings that have received a notice under the Act.

We recognise the ongoing interest from Members regarding the funding that will be required for the Scunthorpe site. The position remains that all funding will be drawn from existing budgets, within the spending envelope set out by the Government at spring statement 2025.

To date, we have provided approximately £130 million for working capital. This covers items such as raw materials, salaries, and addressing unpaid bills, including for small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chain. As previously confirmed, the Department for Business and Trade’s accounts for 2025-26 will reflect the financial support that the Department has given to British Steel.

Work is progressing at pace to develop the optimal policy and strategy approach to the long-term future of British Steel, and we are continuing discussions with Jingye to inform that process.

More broadly, we continue to develop our close partnership with industry and trade unions to revitalise UK steelmaking and secure economic growth. On 14 July, I visited 7 Steel UK in Cardiff, where I chaired a positive and constructive meeting of the Steel Council, alongside the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale (Georgia Gould) in her role as Minister responsible for public procurement. I travelled on to Port Talbot, where I attended an event at Tata Steel to celebrate the start of the electric arc furnace construction following the Government’s £500 million grant towards Tata’s £1.25 billion transformation project.

Further to our unique and unprecedented legislative intervention in British Steel and our confirmation at spending review of the grant funding for Tata Steel and investment in Sheffield Forgemasters, our recently published industrial strategy has identified steel as a foundational industry. We are creating a better environment for the sector by addressing crucial areas in the run-up to the launch of the steel strategy later this year.

Recent successes for steel following Government backing include:

Energy

We are cutting electricity costs for steel producers by reducing network charges via the supercharger by 90%, up from 60%, as announced in our modern industrial strategy. On Friday 18 July, the Government launched a four-week consultation on their plans to increase the discount—a key step towards implementing the extension as soon as possible. Further detail is provided in the written ministerial statement I made earlier today on the network charging compensation scheme uplift [HCWS869].

We are streamlining grid access for major investment projects, including prioritising those that create high-quality jobs and deliver significant economic benefits, through a new connections accelerator service. New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is currently before Parliament, could also allow the Government to reserve grid capacity for strategically important projects, cutting waiting times and unlocking growth in key sectors.

The industrial strategy’s support for sectors such as advanced manufacturing will also increase demand for steel as a foundational product, as demand for lightweight and precision-engineered steel products increases.

Trade

We have strengthened current steel safeguard measures by slowing future increases in spikes of foreign imports, capping certain import levels and tightening country-specific limits, ensuring that UK steel producers will not be undercut while still making sure that the UK has a steady and reliable supply.

We have also announced our intent to launch new laws to expand our powers to respond to unfair trade practices and to guard against global turbulence in critical sectors such as steel, as announced in the trade strategy.

In addition, we have invited steel producers, consumers and stakeholders across the supply chain to shape our future approach to trade measures for steel in a new call for evidence, as we continue to support the UK steel industry against unfair trading practices and to strengthen the UK’s critical supply chains after the expiry of the steel safeguard in June 2026.

Procurement

We have changed Government procurement rules, via the publication of a new steel public procurement notice, to ensure that UK-made steel is considered for all public projects. From 1 September, all in-scope organisations undertaking new relevant steel procurements will be required to consult UK Steel’s digital catalogue prior to making design and procurement decisions. In addition, contracting authorities must consider whether exemptions in buying rules that can support UK steelmakers are applicable. These reforms send a strong message about our commitment to UK Steel—ensuring that it plays a central role in public sector projects, secures jobs and remains at the heart of our national infrastructure ambitions.

Transforming the UK steel sector

The actions I have outlined will have tangible outcomes for the steel industry and for the proud industrial towns and communities who depend on it.

We know that steel is important for delivering on our plan for change—important for delivering on our ambition to put more money into people’s pockets and to realise a new decade of national renewal. The UK steel industry helped to build the modern world, and this Government are taking the decisive steps required to secure its future in Scunthorpe and steelmaking communities across the country.

[HCWS871]

Insolvency Service Annual Plan 2025-26

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Justin Madders)]

The Insolvency Service is the Government agency that delivers public services to those affected by financial distress or failure by providing frameworks to deal with insolvency and the financial misconduct that sometimes accompanies or leads to it.

The Insolvency Service aims to deliver economic confidence through a fair corporate and personal insolvency regime that gives investors and lenders confidence to take the commercial risks necessary to support economic growth. It has a crucial role to play in supporting businesses and individuals in financial difficulty or facing redundancy owing to their employer’s insolvency.

This year, the Insolvency Service has reinforced its commitment to supporting businesses and citizens. It is delivering the Government’s plan for change with investment and reform to deliver growth; putting more money in people’s pockets and helping to rebuild Britain; and giving business and investors the certainty, simplicity and stability they need. This will ensure that the UK is a key destination for investment, with a regulatory regime that is fit for purpose and achieves value for money for the taxpayer. In particular, I have asked it to focus on:

Extending its commitment to tackling money laundering, working closely with partners to increase our ability to identify and disrupt illegal activity.

Working towards implementing the insolvency regulatory reforms outlined in the response to the “Future of Insolvency Regulation” consultation.

Launching the new case management system INSSight, enabling it to deliver better services more effectively and efficiently.

Delivering cost reductions to improve the organisation’s efficiency and help deliver value for money.

The Insolvency Service’s annual plan for 2025-26 is published in full on www.gov.uk.

[HCWS862]

Network Charging Compensation Scheme Uplift

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones)]

I can today announce to the House that the Government are taking the next step in delivering one of the commitments made in our modern industrial strategy, by beginning a consultation which will seek industry views on increasing the level of relief offered through the network charging compensation scheme from 60% to 90%. It will also explore doubling the window which businesses have to apply for support through the scheme from one month to two.

In recent years, British energy-intensive industries have faced the steepest industrial electricity prices in Europe, even with existing Government support schemes applied, primarily due to a long-term disparity in network and policy costs. In the modern industrial strategy, the Government identified that high electricity prices remain a significant barrier for growth and investment for critical energy-intensive industries across the UK.

If enacted, the uplift in the NCC scheme will provide over £100 million in additional electricity price relief to key industrial sectors. Around 500 of the UK’s most energy-intensive businesses across sectors such as steel, chemicals, glass and ceramics will see their cost of electricity reduce by an estimated £7 to £10/MWh from 2026, helping to bring them more in line with European competitors.

This measure will reinforce the fact that the UK is a great place to do business. It will help secure jobs and attract new investment into the UK as part of the plan for change. It will protect our foundational manufacturing sectors from the risk of carbon leakage, while helping to unlock investment in dynamic new sectors such as gigafactories, which will be critical to the UK’s future transition to net zero.

[HCWS869]

Republic of Korea: Fifth Round of Free Trade Negotiations

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)]

The fifth round of negotiations on an upgraded free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea took place in Seoul between 7 and 11 July 2025.

Total trade between the UK and RoK was worth £15.4 billion in 2024. An upgraded FTA is intended to support further growth in this trade and strengthen our broader relationship with RoK.

An upgraded UK-RoK FTA will help secure and future-proof current goods market access. It will update the agreement in key areas where trade policy has progressed in recent years, including digital and services trade. It will also support co-operation in broader parts of the UK-RoK strategic relationship, with commitments in areas such as supply chains and the environment.

During this round, negotiators made good progress in several areas, including but not limited to:

Rules of origin

Constructive discussions were held covering both the main chapter text and product specific rules for a range of sectors including automotives, textiles and apparel, and food and drink.

Digital trade

A new ambitious digital trade chapter is a key part of these negotiations. Sides held further positive discussions during the round on a range of areas including trade digitalisation and business safeguards.

Services

The two sides continue to hold constructive discussions on further support for trade in services. This includes financial services, professional and business services, and rules relating to the development of domestic regulation.

Other Areas

Positive discussions were held across a range of other areas of the FTA, including sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and trade and sustainable development.

The Government will only ever sign a trade agreement that aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding our high standards across a range of sectors, including protections for the national health service.

The UK and RoK expect to hold further discussions in the autumn. The Government will continue to work towards delivering outcomes in the FTA that secure economic growth for the UK and will update Parliament on the progress of discussions with RoK as they continue to develop.

[HCWS860]

Government of Service

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)]

Ethics and integrity are at the heart of the Government’s approach to public service.

The seven principles of public life are fundamental to everything we do as we return Britain to the service of working people.

The Government have already acted to drive up standards in government. The Prime Minister has published a new, stronger ministerial code. Updated terms of reference ensure the independent adviser on ministerial standards no longer requires the Prime Minister’s consent to initiate an investigation. A new register of Ministers’ gifts and hospitality is now published monthly, aligning more closely with the parliamentary system and providing greater transparency.

Since coming to office, the Government have been giving careful consideration to ensuring the right structures and arrangements are in place for upholding integrity in public life. Today, the Government are announcing a series of further reforms to our ethics and integrity bodies to strengthen standards across the public sector—standards the public rightly expect, and deserve.

Ethics and integrity commission

The Government will be establishing an ethics and integrity commission to strengthen probity in public life, delivering on a key manifesto commitment. Our new commission will sit at the heart of our standards system. It will promote the seven principles of public life; support public bodies developing codes of conduct; enable the sharing of best practice across the public sector, and report to Government on specific areas in need of improvement.

The commission will be established by strengthening and reforming the Committee on Standards in Public Life. The commission will be granted a stronger mandate and an expanded role to promote, oversee and report on the seven principles of public life. This expanded role will include a new obligation to report annually to the Prime Minister on the overall health of our standards system, and a new function of regular engagement with public sector bodies to assist them in the development of clear codes of conduct with effective oversight arrangements. The commission will also play a leadership role in convening the ethics and standards bodies in central Government and Parliament to drive forward the agenda and to identify and address areas of common concern. These new functions will build on the existing role of the Committee on Standards in Public Life to advise the Prime Minister on ethical standards through broad inquiries into topical subjects. The commission will continue to conduct such inquiries, and the Government are also providing a new commitment to respond to all ethics and integrity commission reports in a reasonable timeframe.

This authoritative body and its new mandate will drive up ethical standards across the public sector and take a leading role in helping to put ethics and integrity at the heart of every public sector organisation. The Cabinet Office will work closely with CSPL to finalise its transition into the ethics and integrity commission and publish new terms of reference.

Ministerial severance payments

As part of our mission to restore trust in politics, the Government are also announcing changes to the arrangements by which Ministers receive severance payments. Ministers are currently automatically entitled to a severance payment equivalent to three months’ salary when they leave office for any reason, after any period of time in office. Following a review of ministerial severance pay announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in July 2024, the Prime Minister is introducing reforms to ensure severance payments are proportionate and fair.

Under the changes, a new minimum service requirement will be introduced, with Ministers expected to forgo their severance payment if they serve in office for less than six months. If Ministers leave office and are subsequently reappointed to another paid ministerial office within three months, they will be expected to forgo their salary until three months has passed since they left office, in order to avoid Ministers being paid a salary while still in receipt of severance pay.

The ministerial code sets out the high standards expected of all who serve in Government—a Government of service, not entitlement. In the future, if Ministers leave office following a serious breach of the ministerial code, they will be expected to forgo their severance payment. Similarly, if a former Minister is found to have seriously breached the business appointment rules in the period following their departure from office, they will be expected to repay their severance payment.

The business appointment rules

The Government have also been giving careful consideration to the current arrangements by which the business appointment rules are administered. The business appointments system plays an important role in protecting the integrity of Government, ensuring that those who serve in a privileged position within Government do not go on to improperly profit personally from that experience and that their future employers do not gain an unfair advantage through privileged access to Government. As part of this, the provision of authoritative, independent advice to former Ministers and officials remains a particularly important safeguard, but the Government recognise the need to build confidence in this system.

Alongside this work, the Government have been carrying out a comprehensive review of all arm’s length bodies, established with the premise that such bodies will be closed, merged or have their functions brought back into Departments unless their separate existence can be strongly justified.

As a result of these considerations, the Government have decided to close the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments and to transfer its function to provide independent advice on the application of the business appointment rules in respect of the most senior civil servants and special advisers to the Civil Service Commission. The commission’s current responsibility for providing independent regulation of fair and open recruitment into the civil service means that it is well suited also to overseeing the arrangements by which departures and post-Government roles for the most senior civil servants are managed under the BARs. Just as the proper application of the civil service recruitment principles helps to protect the integrity of, and trust in, the civil service, so too must the proper application of the business appointment rules at the end of civil servants’ careers in Government. This end-to-end oversight by the commission will also enable talented individuals thinking of a career in the civil service to be clear on the restrictions that may apply at the end of their role. I have asked the First Civil Service Commissioner to report to me, having taken on this function, on any further strengthening of the business appointment rules the commission may recommend to ensure proper standards are applied as people leave the civil service.

ACOBA’s function to provide independent advice in respect of former Ministers will be transferred to the Prime Minister’s independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, who already provides independent advice to the Prime Minister on adherence to the ministerial code and to individual Ministers on the appropriate management of their private interests while in office.

The structural change will be accompanied by wider reforms to strengthen and streamline the system and enhance compliance. As set out above, in the event of a serious breach of the business appointment rules, Ministers will in future be asked to repay any severance payment they have received. To improve the consistency of the application of the rules in Departments, the Civil Service Commission, which already audits Departments for compliance with the civil service recruitment principles, will in the future undertake regular audits of departmental decisions on business appointment applications for grades below the level currently administered by ACOBA. This enhanced sanction and oversight will be underpinned by a more efficient and responsive system, focused on ensuring applicants understand their obligations under the rules.

Together, these changes will give us tougher rules, fewer bodies and clearer lines of accountability. Further information on the ethics and integrity commission and the new business appointment rules process will be published when they become operational on 13 October 2025.

[HCWS870]

Draft Finance Bill 2025-26: Tax Documents

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (James Murray)]

The Government are committed to engaging with interested groups when developing and legislating for tax policy, and we are today publishing draft legislation ahead of potential inclusion in the next Finance Bill.

This will allow for technical consultation on the application of tax policy in legislation and provides taxpayers with greater predictability over future tax policy changes. Alongside this, the Government are making announcements in a small number of technical areas of tax policy to ensure the effective maintenance of the tax system.

The final contents of Finance Bill 2025-26 will be decided by the Chancellor at the next Budget. The Government are also publishing a consultation and a number of tax-related summaries of responses to consultations which have already been conducted.

Publication of draft legislation



Closing the tax gap

The Government are determined to close the tax gap and make sure everyone pays the tax they owe. This is fair, essential for a well-functioning economy, and will help to keep taxes on working people as low as possible.

At autumn Budget 2024 and spring statement 2025, the Government announced the biggest ever package of measures to close the tax gap, including those set out below.

Tackling tax non-compliance in the umbrella company market: the Government are publishing draft income tax legislation to make recruitment agencies accountable for pay-as-you-earn on payments to workers supplied via umbrella companies. Where there is no agency, this responsibility falls to the end client. Regulations giving effect to this measure for national insurance contributions purposes will be laid separately. The legislation creates a joint and several liability, allowing His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to pursue the agency or end client for payroll taxes that an umbrella company fails to pay on their behalf. This measure will reduce tax non-compliance, raising around £500 million in 2029-30, create a level playing field for compliant businesses, and protect workers from unexpected tax bills.

Enhancing HMRC’s powers, tackling tax advisers facilitating non-compliance: the Government are publishing draft legislation to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of powers that allow HMRC to tackle tax advisers facilitating non-compliance by their clients. This will strengthen HMRC’s powers to collect information from tax advisers, issue penalties where there is evidence of wrongdoing, and publish information about tax advisers where they are subject to sanctions. These measures will help close the tax gap by deterring tax advisers from facilitating non-compliance, and making non-compliant tax advisers responsible for their impact on the tax system.

Modernising and mandating tax adviser registration: the Government are publishing draft legislation which will mandate tax advisers to register with HMRC and meet minimum standards, before being able to interact with HMRC on behalf of clients. The changes will take effect from April 2026.

Closing in on promoters of marketed tax avoidance: the Government are publishing draft legislation for a package of measures to close in on promoters of marketed tax avoidance, whose contrived schemes leave their clients with unexpected tax bills. The package includes new powers for HMRC to focus on those who own or control promoter organisations and strengthening the disclosure of tax avoidance schemes regime.

Charity compliance measures: the Government are publishing draft legislation to change the rules for when donations to charity become tainted and what types of investments are acceptable for charitable tax relief, and changing the rules covering how tax relieved income must be spent for charitable purposes. These measures will support the Government aim of closing the tax gap through strengthening compliance powers to challenge abusive arrangements and poor compliance. They simplify the current tax rules by equalising treatment across all investment types and deal with receipts and expenditure in the hands of the charity. The changes will take effect from April 2026.

The Government will make greater use of data and technology to help individual taxpayers and businesses pay the right tax first time, while making tax digital will help people pay their tax quickly and easily.

Better use of new and improved third-party data to make it easier to pay tax right first time: the Government are publishing draft primary legislation alongside a summary of responses document. This follows the publication at the spring statement of a consultation to make better use of new and improved third-party data to make it easier to get tax right first time.

Making tax digital: the Government are publishing legislation to come into force from April 2026 covering:

Streamlining end of year process for MTD for income tax: draft primary and secondary legislation to streamline the MTD for income tax end of year filing journey. It will require taxpayers using MTD to deliver end of year returns through MTD-compatible software. This delivers a better filing experience for users.

Finalising design of MTD and exempting and deferring certain groups from digital requirements: draft primary and secondary legislation to exempt or defer small groups of taxpayers from MTD for income tax who may face disproportionate barriers to operating MTD or for whom operating MTD for income tax is impracticable. It also makes various minor, technical or policy changes to ensure MTD and penalty reform work as intended.

Lowering the income threshold to £20,000: draft secondary legislation extending MTD for income tax to sole traders and landlords with income over £20,000 from April 2028. This will help ensure more businesses are able to adopt new digital ways of working, supporting their productivity and growth.

Putting the tax system on a fairer and more sustainable footing

At autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced measures to deliver key manifesto commitments, alongside other measures to fix the public finances through a fairer, more sustainable tax system.

The tax treatment of carried interest: the Government are publishing draft legislation to introduce a revised tax regime for carried interest, a form of performance-related reward received by fund managers. This revised tax regime will sit wholly within the income tax framework, with carried interest treated as trading profits and subject to income tax and class 4 national insurance contributions. The changes will take effect from April 2026.

Technical amendments to residence-based tax regime: the Government will bring forward technical fixes to legislation contained in the Finance Act 2025 that replaced the special tax rules relating to domicile. These changes are to ensure that the legislation works as intended. As examples, these technical changes to legislation will include:

Inheritance tax spousal election for non-long term resident spouses: ensuring the election correctly lapses after 10 consecutive years of non-residence have passed;

Section 690: ensuring that the present inclusion of treaty non-residents on a concessionary basis is placed within legislation; and

Temporary repatriation facility: ensuring that the legislation works as intended for offshore income gains and migrating trusts (trusts which were previously settled overseas but are now UK resident).

The Government will set out further details on these amendments in due course.

Inheritance tax, unused pension funds and death benefits: the Government are publishing draft legislation to bring most unused pension funds and death benefits within the value of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from 6 April 2027. Following technical consultation, and in line with the current treatment of pensions already in the scope of IHT, personal representatives, rather than pension scheme administrators, will be liable to report and pay IHT. All death in service benefits payable from a registered pension scheme, including those in scope of IHT under existing rules, will be excluded from the value of an individual’s estate for IHT purposes. This supports the Government objective to build a fairer tax system by removing distortions which have led to pension schemes being increasingly used and marketed as a tax planning vehicle to transfer wealth, rather than for funding retirement. It also removes inconsistencies in the IHT treatment of different types of pensions.

Inheritance tax, agricultural property relief and business property relief: as announced at autumn Budget 2024, the Government are publishing draft legislation to reform these inheritance tax reliefs from 6 April 2026 to make them fairer and more sustainable. In addition to existing nil-rate bands and exemptions, the current 100% rates of relief will continue for the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business property to help protect family businesses and farms. The rate of relief will be 50% thereafter, and in all circumstances for quoted shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as AIM. The changes will take effect from April 2026.

Changes to employee car ownership schemes: the Government are publishing draft legislation which is intended to bring employee car ownership schemes into scope of the benefit in kind rules as company cars. This legislation ensures employees receiving vehicles through these arrangements pay company car tax, ensuring fairness with other taxpayers. The changes will take effect from October 2026.

Maintaining the tax system

The Government are continuing to ensure the tax system operates effectively and delivers on our commitments.

Benefit in kind tax for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: the Government are announcing that if a new emissions standard for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is introduced in Great Britain, it will help to mitigate the significant increase in benefit in kind tax that would result from higher carbon dioxide emissions figures.

The Department for Transport will, in due course, consult on introducing the Euro 6e emissions standard for cars and vans in Great Britain from April 2026. The standard already applies in Northern Ireland from January 2025. Where the standard applies, this change will significantly increase the BiK tax due on PHEV company cars, which is linked to CO₂ emissions.

The Government recognise that while it is right that higher emitting vehicles pay more tax, company cars continue to play an important role supporting our transition towards zero emission vehicles and the decarbonisation of transport. Subject to the consultation outcome, the Government intend to legislate for an easement that will apply UK-wide between April 2026 and April 2028 to help mitigate the benefit in kind tax impact. In Northern Ireland, the easement will also apply retrospectively to January 2025 in order to ensure consistency across the UK.

Private intermittent securities and capital exchange system: following the announcement on 15 May 2025, the Government are publishing draft legislation to allow employers, with their employees’ permission, to amend existing enterprise management incentive and company share option plan contracts to include a PISCES trading event as an exercisable event, without losing the tax advantages the schemes offer.

Trader provided free legislation, inland border facilities: the Government are publishing draft legislative amendments to existing trader provided free legislation. This will mean that all border locations will be responsible for providing and funding their own customs infrastructure. This measure will affect border locations where this infrastructure is currently provided and funded by the Government at inland border facilities.

Land remediation relief: land remediation relief is a 150% corporation tax relief aimed at incentivising the regeneration of brownfield land and reducing the pressure to develop greenfield sites; the Government are today publishing a consultation that seeks views on the design and impact of land remediation relief as part of the Government support for brownfield development.

Technical fixes

We are also publishing legislation to ensure the effective functioning of tax legislation.

Technical updates to pillar 2 rules: the Government are publishing draft legislation to make technical updates to the UK’s pillar 2 rules in response to stakeholder feedback and to maintain consistency with the latest internationally agreed commentary to the OECD model rules.

Application of overseas restriction for research and development expenditure credit: the Government will legislate to ensure that the overseas restriction operates in Northern Ireland as intended. This legislation will apply to claims made on or after 30 October 2024. The changes will take effect from April 2026.

[HCWS875]

HMRC Transformation Roadmap

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (James Murray)]

At spring statement 2025, the Government committed to publishing a transformation roadmap setting out the future direction of the tax and customs system. Today, the Government deliver on that commitment.

The HMRC transformation roadmap outlines the Government’s vision for a more efficient, modernised, and automated tax and customs system. This will enable HMRC to collect more of the tax that is due, while enabling taxpayers and businesses to focus more on what matters to them—contributing to the Government’s mission in their plan for change to boost economic growth.

The plans laid out in the roadmap will enable everyday tasks, processes and compliance to happen with less effort. This will happen through simplified policies and procedures, the application of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the introduction of more digital self-serve options for taxpayers that give them greater control and offer quicker solutions to their queries.

This transformation will also enable HMRC staff to spend more time helping taxpayers who are in vulnerable circumstances, digitally excluded, or have complex tax affairs. It will free up more of their time to support businesses who are seeking greater certainty over their plans for investment and growth.

I have set the Department three clear priorities to drive these changes forward: improving day-today performance and the customer experience; closing the tax gap; and reforming and modernising the tax and customs system. As part of all three priorities, the Government will continue to simplify tax administration to make it easier for taxpayers and their representatives, all while reaffirming HMRC’s charter standards.

HMRC’s transformation roadmap details the actions that HMRC will take to achieve these ministerial priorities and some of the changes that taxpayers and businesses can expect to see. It is informed by insight and feedback from external stakeholders, who will continue to play a key role in supporting and challenging HMRC as it delivers this ambitious package.

Improving day-to-day performance

HMRC’s day-to-day performance depends on the quality of services provided to taxpayers and their agents. These days, most taxpayers want to interact with HMRC digitally, especially for simple tasks. This means HMRC must improve digital services to give taxpayers greater control over their tax affairs and minimise the need for taxpayers to call or write to them.

As such, the roadmap outlines HMRC’s plan for a minimum of 90% of customer interactions to be digital by 2030. HMRC will become digital first, while continuing to support those who need extra help. Taxpayers who are in vulnerable circumstances, digitally excluded, or have complex tax affairs will continue to be able to access support through existing channels, including phonelines.

Closing the tax gap

The Government have funded a significant increase in HMRC’s compliance and debt workforce, including investment for 5,500 new compliance officers and 2,400 debt management officers. Its workforce will have access to improved tools and receive training to identify those at risk of non-compliance and to recover more of the money owed.

For the most stubborn compliance risks, closing the tax gap necessitates changes to process and policy, including digitalisation, use of automation and integration of AI. HMRC will also tackle tax evasion and other offences, increasing the number of annual charging decisions to 600 a year by 2030, with a focus on tackling frauds that are most harmful to taxpayers and the tax and customs system.

Intermediaries such as tax advisers and software providers play a crucial role in administering the tax and customs system, enabling compliance and trust. Taxpayers should have confidence that any intermediary they choose will help them get their tax right, and HMRC will take steps to raise standards in the intermediary market to stop the minority who cause disproportionate harm to the tax system.

Reform and modernisation

Reform and modernisation of HMRC are fundamental to improving day-to-day performance and closing the tax gap. They will ensure HMRC is an agile department, able to adapt to the changing nature of the wider tax and customs system.

To achieve this, HMRC will modernise its IT infra-structure, making use of innovative technology and AI, robust data capabilities—including new legislation to support cross-Government data sharing—and a highly skilled workforce.

HMRC will also modernise the way it delivers change, empowering people throughout the organisation to explore innovative solutions, embedding “test and learn” approaches, and adopting best practice from the private sector.

HMRC is committed to reporting progress against the deliverables in the roadmap, including through its standard reporting. The roadmap includes a list of metrics to demonstrate progress against each of the three priorities. The roadmap will be regularly reviewed and updated as HMRC, in collaboration with external stakeholders, delivers the future of tax and customs administration.

The HMRC transformation roadmap can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrc-transformation-roadmap

[HCWS868]

War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme: Closure

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)]

I wish to inform the House of the Government’s decision to close the war widows recognition payment scheme on 15 October 2025, in line with the original plan for the scheme to operate for a fixed period of two years.

The war widows recognition payment scheme was introduced on 16 October 2023 to recognise widow(er)s —including civil partners and unmarried cohabiting partners—of service personnel who forfeited their pensions due to a service-attributable death occurring before 2015. From the outset, the scheme was designed as a time-limited initiative to address this specific issue and to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the spouses and partners of those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Since its launch, the scheme has successfully fulfilled its intended purpose, having awarded almost £21 million since it launched, providing meaningful recognition to those who were eligible. Following an internal review and the drop-off in application numbers, the Government are now proceeding with the planned closure of the scheme, as originally outlined at its inception.

The scheme will remain open for applications until 15 October 2025, after which no new applications will be accepted. All applications received before this date will be processed in accordance with the scheme’s existing guidelines. I strongly encourage those eligible to apply as soon as possible.

Resources will continue to be directed towards other programmes and initiatives that provide comprehensive assistance to veterans, service personnel, their families, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, the bereaved.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have served in the armed forces and their families for their sacrifices and contributions to our country.

Further details regarding the closure of the scheme and the support available to affected individuals will be published on the Defence Business Services website and communicated directly to stakeholders.

[HCWS866]

STEP Programme Contingent Liability

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)]

I have laid before Parliament a departmental minute setting out the particulars of a new contingent liability associated with fusion activities relating to the STEP fusion energy programme.

STEP—Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production —is the UK’s flagship fusion programme, which aims to deliver a prototype fusion power plant by the 2040s. STEP will be delivered by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, an executive non-departmental public body. The STEP delivery model requires input from industrial partners—private engineering and construction—to leverage their expertise and capacity. A procurement is currently being undertaken to select these partners.

The provision of a new Government contingent liability would be for liabilities resulting from incidents involving nuclear matter or emissions of ionising radiation arising from fusion activities relating to the STEP programme. Given the nascency of the fusion sector, there is no existing market provision for such liabilities. Therefore, a Government contingent liability will provide UKAEA, UKIFS and their industrial partners the assurance necessary to undertake work on the programme.

The contingent liability is intended to address the gap in the insurance market and therefore would be constrained in line with insurance that could be expected to be obtained in the private sector to cover liabilities unrelated to nuclear matter or emission of ionising radiation incidents. The contingent liability will be reviewed if there is a material change in Government policy on fusion that significantly alters the nature of the contingent liability. This contingent liability will be remote and uncapped.

The Treasury has approved the proposal, and I have been able to provide the usual notice of 14 parliamentary sitting days before the contingent liability begins to be incurred.

[HCWS876]

Independent Water Commission

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)]

On 23 October, we asked the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Sir Jon Cunliffe, to undertake the biggest review of the water sector since privatisation. The Independent Water Commission was tasked with producing recommendations to fundamentally transform how our water system works.

We are delighted that today the Independent Water Commission has published its final recommendations. We are grateful to Sir Jon, his officials and all those involved for the outstanding work they have done to review the regulation of our water industry.

The report has clearly set out the ways in which the current system is broken, and is failing the environment, customers and investors.

The Government will now act quickly, turning the page on a broken system with root-and-branch reform to revolutionise the water industry and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

The commission has highlighted the complexity and failure of current water regulation. The current fragmented approach of four separate regulators splits up economic, environmental and regulation of drinking water. This complex web of regulators has led to contradictory and competing priorities.

These regulatory arrangements have failed to deliver for customers, while allowing companies to pay out huge dividends and bonuses.

Subject to consultation this autumn, Ofwat is to be replaced by one single water regulator responsible for the entire water system. The Government will abolish Ofwat and merge its functions with water functions across the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate to form a new regulator.

This single powerful regulator will be responsible for the entire water system. It will provide the clarity and direction required for a strong partnership between Government, the sector and investors to attract billions of pounds of new investment. It will have the power to balance different priorities in the national interest, overseeing investment and maintenance and protecting customers from massive bill hikes. It will be responsible for the entire water sector, restoring public faith and investor confidence in our water industry. And it will ensure all forms of pollution are reduced to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

We will work with the existing regulators and the unions to ensure a smooth transition to the single new regulator. Ofwat will remain in place during the transition to the new regulator and we will ensure they provide the right leadership to oversee the current price review and investment plan during that time.

We will work with our colleagues in the Welsh Government to ensure these reforms protect water customers across both England and Wales.

The Government’s full response to the Commission’s recommendations will be outlined later this year through a White Paper, on which we will invite views via a consultation. The proposed reforms will then form the basis of a new water reform Bill which we will introduce early in this Parliament.

We are establishing a new partnership where water companies, investors, communities and the Government will work together to deliver the change we all want to see.

[HCWS865]

ODA 0.7% GNI Target 2024

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Stephen Doughty)]

The Minister of State for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean, my right hon. Friend Baroness Chapman of Darlington, has today made the following statement:

This statement will be made at a later date.

[HCWS874]

Regulation of NHS Managers: Consultation Response

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)]

Ensuring strong and accountable NHS leadership will be critical to delivering our plan for change and building an NHS fit for the future.

We know the important role that high-quality leadership plays in fostering a compassionate and transparent culture within the NHS and we want a healthcare system where staff feel confident to speak up, with a positive and open workplace culture.

The vast majority of NHS managers do an excellent job. They are also responsible for hugely significant decisions that affect patient care, and the Government believe that they should be held to the same high standards of accountability as the healthcare professionals who work in the NHS.

Too often, tragic cases and high-profile reviews have shown repeated instances where leaders have failed to act appropriately and have not been held to account for their actions. The Government are committed to ensuring NHS leadership is transparent and accountable. Today, the Department of Health and Social Care has published its response to the 12-week consultation on options for the regulation of NHS managers. This important development forms part of a programme of work to meet the Government manifesto commitment to introduce professional standards for, and regulation of, NHS managers.

Regulating managers will strengthen their professional accountability by providing a consistent and fair means of addressing concerns about conduct or performance, protecting the public by removing those from the profession whose conduct is unacceptable.

The consultation had a high level of engagement, with 4,924 responses, over 100 of which were from organisations. I would like to put on record my sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to share their views on this pivotal piece of work.

Having considered these views, the Government will be bringing forward legislation to provide the health and care professions council with the powers to run a statutory barring system for NHS board level leaders and their direct reports so that those who commit serious misconduct or silence whistleblowers will not be able to practise in senior roles in the NHS. We will explore what further steps can be taken so that those barred from working in the NHS are not employed in equivalent roles in social care.

It is equally essential that managers and leaders are supported with the skills they need to deliver transformation in the NHS and that they can access development opportunities that enable them to meet the high standards that will be expected of them. This is why today’s consultation response builds on our wider programme of leadership and management development that will ensure patient, public and professional confidence in NHS leadership and equip the NHS with the leaders needed to deliver our 10-year health plan. This programme of leadership reform, designed to strengthen the capability, confidence and accountability of NHS managers includes the establishment of the college of executive and clinical leadership. As part of our work to develop the college, we will work with stakeholders to consider whether there are forms of accreditation that could be implemented to recognise the professionalism of NHS managers and leaders. This will be complemented by wider work to strengthen NHS leadership, including NHS England’s leadership and management framework, the NHS very senior manager pay framework, and the implementation of General Sir Gordon Messenger’s recommendations to establish a national and regional strategic approach to talent management in the NHS.

The consultation also asked about the introduction of a professional duty of candour for NHS leaders, if leaders should be under a duty to ensure that the existing statutory (organisational) duty is correctly followed in their organisation and about the responsibility of leaders to respond to patient safety concerns.

These issues have been highlighted in previous reviews and inquiries including the 2019 Kark review, the 2024 infected blood inquiry and the Thirlwall inquiry into events at the Countess of Chester hospital. This consultation response reinforces the responsibility of leaders and managers in relation to candour and patient safety. As we implement regulation of managers, take forward recommendations from the IBI and consider the implications of the Cabinet Office’s proposed Hillsborough law, we will consider what further sanctions may be required in relation to failing to uphold the principle of candour.

Next steps

Department officials will prepare draft legislation to provide the HCPC with the powers to implement a statutory disbarring regime for NHS managers. When parliamentary time allows, we intend to bring forward this legislation, which will be subject to a further public consultation. We will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout and we will work closely with NHS England to ensure alignment with the wider work under way to develop and professionalise NHS managers and leaders.

[HCWS873]

Forensic Science Regulator: Appointment

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)]

I am today announcing the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator. Following an open competition conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, I have decided to appoint Dr Marc Bailey. He is a highly experienced scientist who brings a wealth of scientific and administrative experience to the role. He has held multiple roles within the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency including as Chief Science, Research and Innovation Officer and Head of Analytical and Biological Sciences. His three-year term of appointment commences on 26 July.

I should like to record the Government’s appreciation of the former Regulator, Gary Pugh OBE, for his contribution towards the regulation of Forensic Science in England and Wales as the first ever statutory Regulator.

[HCWS864]

Events at Orgreave

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)]

The violent scenes that took place at Orgreave coking plant on 18 June 1984 were a pivotal moment in the nationwide miners’ strike of 1984-85. In total, 95 picketers were arrested and charged with riot and violent disorder, but all charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited. The events of that day have had a lasting impact on those present and on their families and communities, as well as on the relationship between policing and coalfield communities at that time.

While there have been significant changes in the oversight of policing since 1984, and to the way that public order is now policed, questions about the specific events of Orgreave have remained unanswered for too long. More than 40 years on, it is time that every individual affected by the events of that day received the answers they deserve.

This Government made a commitment in its manifesto to ensure, through an investigation or inquiry, that the truth about events at Orgreave comes to light. Today, consistent with that promise, I am announcing the Government’s decision to establish an inquiry into the events at the Orgreave coking plant on 18 June 1984.

The right Rev. Dr Pete Wilcox, the Bishop of Sheffield, has agreed to chair the inquiry. He will be supported by a small panel of independent experts who will be appointed in due course.

The purpose of the inquiry will be to aid public understanding of how the violent clashes and injuries caused at Orgreave on 18 June 1984, and the events immediately after, came to pass. It will be a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, with the appropriate powers to compel the provision of information where necessary.

It will be key for the inquiry to have access to all information which it deems relevant. For that reason, I have recently written to all police forces, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing, and all Government Departments, to ask that all material they hold relating to the events of Orgreave be retained, in order that it can be provided in a timely manner to the inquiry if requested.

Recognising the need for an inquiry to deliver swiftly while avoiding any undue impact on individuals’ wellbeing, I hope the inquiry will look to previous examples of good practice—such as the Hillsborough Independent Panel—to inform its method of delivery.

I am currently in the process of consulting the right Rev. Dr Pete Wilcox on proposed terms of reference, and I have asked him to engage with key stakeholders as part of that process. I will place a final copy of the terms of reference in the Libraries of both Houses at the earliest opportunity thereafter.

In line with the Inquiries Act 2005, the direction of the inquiry’s investigations will be a matter for the Chair.

[HCWS855]

Director of Labour Market Enforcement Annual Strategy 2025-26

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)]

Alongside my hon Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets (Justin Madders), I am publishing today the labour market enforcement annual strategy for 2025-26, submitted by the DLME Margaret Beels OBE. The strategy will be available on www.gov.uk.

The Director’s role was created by the Immigration Act 2016 to bring better focus and strategic co-ordination to the enforcement of labour market legislation by the three enforcement bodies which are responsible for state enforcement of specific employment rights:

The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS);

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs National Minimum and Living Wage enforcement team (HMRC NMW/NLW team); and

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).

Under Section 2 of The Act, the Director is required to prepare an annual labour market enforcement strategy, which assesses the scale and nature of non-compliance in the labour market and sets priorities for future enforcement by the three enforcement bodies and the allocation of resources needed to deliver those priorities. The annual strategy, once approved, is laid before Parliament.

The Director is a statutory office-holder independent from Government, but accountable to the Department for Business and Trade’s Secretary of State and the Home Secretary.

In line with the obligations under the Act, Margaret Beels submitted this strategy for 2025-26 on 31 March 2025.

This strategy continues from the 2024-25 strategy by reinforcing the same four themes to provide an assessment of the scale and nature of non-compliance: improving the radar picture; improving focus and effectiveness; engage and support; and better joined-up thinking. The strategy also notes sectors where the risk level has changed and assesses that agriculture, hand car washes, construction and adult social care are the highest risk sectors for non-compliance.

The strategy also includes an additional theme on the Fair Work Agency (FWA) and the opportunities arising from implementing the FWA.

The creation of the FWA is central to this Government’s mission to grow living standards in every part of the UK by the end of this Parliament. It will bring together, in one place, the labour market state enforcement functions and the strategic oversight role currently undertaken by the DLME. This will address current fragmentation and improve accountability and effectiveness. In doing so it will level the playing field for the vast majority of employers who do right by their workers and ensure that those who don’t no longer have the leeway to exploit their workers.

The Government will carefully examine the recommendations emerging both from the strategy and the accompanying engagement with stakeholders, and will take these into account in the formulation of detailed plans for the FWA, as well as ongoing policy development on tackling illegal working and labour market exploitation.

I thank the DLME for her strategy and in particular her commitment to supporting the creation of this important new body.

[HCWS863]

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures: 1 March 2025 - 31 May 2025

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)]

Section 19(1) of the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011 requires the Secretary of State to report to Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of every relevant three-month period on the exercise of their TPIM powers under the Act during that period.

The level of information provided will always be subject to slight variations based on operational advice.

Combating Hatred against Muslims Fund

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)]

The Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, my noble Friend Lord Khan, has today made the following statement:

In April the Government announced a new fund to provide a comprehensive service to monitor anti-Muslim hatred and to support victims. The establishment of the fund will contribute to the Government’s commitment to creating safer streets as part of the plan for change, with addressing the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate playing a crucial part in building safer, stronger and more cohesive communities for all.

The grant competition opened on 7 April and closed on 18 May. We received a number of strong applications from organisations that share the Government’s enthusiasm and impatience for tackling anti-Muslim hatred.

We have now concluded the competition process, and I am pleased to announce that we have appointed the British Muslim Trust as our new Government-funded partner.

The British Muslim Trust will establish a multi-channel helpline for reporting anti-Muslim hate crimes and incidents, undertake deep outreach into grassroots and Muslim communities, conduct research to better understand Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred, and deliver training and public awareness campaigns to shift perceptions of British Muslims. The British Muslim Trust plans to mobilise and launch its service by the autumn.

The Government will continue to work with communities to confront all kinds of racial and religious hatred, to create a more tolerant and understanding society for everyone.

[HCWS872]

Digital Infrastructure Deployment: Growth

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)]

The Government are committed to unlocking the barriers to telecoms deployment across the United Kingdom, as outlined in the recently published 10-year infrastructure strategy by HM Treasury. This strategy underscores the vital role that modern infrastructure plays in fostering economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and driving innovation in all regions of the country.

Digital infrastructure underpins growth right across the economy, and is also a powerful contributor to the economy in its own right, with the sector worth an estimated £50 billion to the UK. It supports the adoption of new and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and enables citizens to participate in modern life. In an increasingly online world, growth in data consumption and increased demands on the UK’s digital infrastructure mean there is an urgent need to support the sector in delivering greater connectivity for local communities and businesses.

We are committed to the roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband and 5G networks, with the ultimate goal of enabling businesses, residents, and institutions to access seamless and reliable connectivity. These efforts are essential to building a more competitive, equitable, and digitally connected nation.

To overcome barriers to deployment of gigabit-capable infrastructure in blocks of flats, we will consult on measures by the autumn to create a new right for leaseholders to request a gigabit broadband connection and a duty for freeholders not to unreasonably refuse the request. Working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, we would seek to legislate for any resulting measures when parliamentary time allows.

Work is under way to ensure that delays arising from the higher-risk building safety regime are addressed as soon as possible. We are working closely with the telecoms sector to understand the scale of the impact on telecoms deployment specifically, alongside developing appropriate remedies which will support the continued investment and roll-out of 5G and gigabit broadband while upholding the Government’s commitment to building safety.

We will accelerate the roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband by tackling barriers to the deployment of underground broadband infrastructure. We have trialled the use of flexi-permits for street works and will see the results of the evaluation in October. Should that demonstrate positive results, we will promptly consult on the necessary legislative changes.

We will consider areas where planning laws and guidance might be changed to facilitate the deployment of mobile masts. To that end, we will publish a call for evidence on permitted development rights as soon as possible. Subject to feedback received, any resulting measures designed to enable faster deployment of telecommunications infrastructure will be implemented as quickly as possible.

We will implement the remaining provisions of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 to make it easier and cheaper for digital infrastructure to be deployed. Subject to considering the consultation responses, we intend to finalise sections 61 to 64 of the Act, relating to renewal agreements, by the end of the year.

The 10-year infrastructure strategy represents a bold and ambitious step toward a more connected and thriving United Kingdom. By removing obstacles to telecoms deployment, we are creating the foundations for a brighter future, where digital connectivity transforms lives, drives economic progress, and strengthens communities across the country. We will continue to work closely with the telecoms sector to drive forward infrastructure build.

[HCWS867]

UK Compute Roadmap

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)]

I wish to inform the House of the publication of the “UK Compute Roadmap”, which has been laid before Parliament. The road map follows on from the AI opportunities action plan that was published earlier this year which set out this Government’s vision to harness AI to deliver our plan for change—reshaping every sector of our economy and society, from accelerating NHS diagnoses to strengthening our defence and security.

AI—and the computing power that underpins it—will play a crucial role in driving innovation, productivity and growth. The road map puts forward our long-term approach to delivering the compute infrastructure that will underpin future scientific breakthroughs, industrial competitiveness, and public service delivery. It builds on the UK’s long-standing strengths in research and innovation, our world-class talent and our position as the third largest AI market in the world. We will take bold action in four areas to deliver on this plan:

We will build a modern public compute ecosystem—by investing up to £2 billion to expand the AI Research Resource, delivering a new national supercomputer in Edinburgh and establishing national supercomputing centres, of which Edinburgh will be the first.

We will put compute to use—by introducing a new allocation model that is guided by our national priorities and supporting the most impactful and transformative AI projects, including dedicated access for the new Sovereign AI Unit and the AI Security Institute.

We will facilitate the build-out of cutting-edge AI infra-structure—by delivering AI growth zones across the UK that deliver both national and local benefits.

We will create sovereign, secure and sustainable capabilities—by leveraging AIRR and AIGZs to support domestic suppliers across the AI hardware stack and committing to make compute an opportunity area within sovereign AI.

The road map will ensure that the next great breakthroughs in AI, science and technology come from the UK. Our plan is both ambitious and agile and as the pace of innovation accelerates, we will remain responsive and adapt to seize emerging opportunities. The compute road map positions the UK to shape global markets, attract significant investment, and to deliver transformational outcomes for citizens across the entire country.

Work to deliver this plan is already under way, with the UK’s most powerful AI supercomputer launching last week in Bristol. We will now take this road map forward at pace, building on the momentum already in place and working with people, researchers and businesses across all parts of the UK to unlock the full potential of AI.

[HCWS857]

Automated Passenger Services Permitting Scheme

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)]

I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the Government are taking to progress the implementation of automated passenger services regulations to kick-start economic growth, a top priority in the Government’s plan for change.

The APS permitting regime was created to address complexities of applying current taxi, private hire vehicle and public service vehicle legislation to passenger services that would operate without a driver. This scheme will help facilitate commercial pilots of services with paying passengers and no safety driver to be deployed from spring 2026.

In June, I announced the Government’s intention to accelerate the introduction of APS regulations, subject to the outcome of a consultation launching in summer. Today—21 July 2025—I can announce that the consultation on the draft regulations and wider considerations in respect of the management and use of the permitting scheme has been published. The consultation will run until 28 September 2025.

Through the APS permitting scheme, we intend to provide businesses with the regulatory confidence to invest in testing and deploying these innovative services on our streets, reinforcing Great Britain’s position among the world leaders in tech deployment.

Safety, including the safeguarding of passengers, is at the heart of the proposed permitting scheme. Where automated vehicle technology needs approval by Government before it can be used, Government will use comprehensive safety standards that take into account the developing United Nations regulation for automated driving systems.

Government intend that the accessibility of services will be a factor in consideration of whether to grant a permit, alongside a reporting requirement placed on permit holders. Pilot deployments will continue building Government’s understanding of new ways in which accessibility can be achieved through these services. Government will continue to explore the role for research in further understanding how self-driving passenger services can best enable older and disabled people to travel, alongside others with limited or restricted mobility.

Consultation Proposals

The consultation is divided into seven chapters covering a range of matters relevant to the implementation of APS permitting.

These chapters consider the outline of the legislative scheme, necessary guidance regarding the consent process for local licensing authorities and bus franchising authorities, the application process, the variation, suspension and withdrawal of a permit, accessibility, the review process and disclosure of information.

A copy of this publication and associated annexes will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and published on www.gov.uk.

[HCWS858]

Pensions Commission and State Pension Age Review

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)]

This Government are delivering change for all generations: lifting children out of poverty, providing opportunity through work, and offering security in retirement—with the revival today of the Pensions Commission to look at the long-term future of our pensions system and how it can support the retirement people expect and deserve, and is both fair and sustainable.

The last Labour Government halved pensioner poverty from its mid-1990s peak, with measures like pension credit boosting the incomes of the poorest pensioners. We also achieved major changes for future pensioners with the first Pensions Commission—2002-2006, that set the course for one of the great, public policy successes—ensuring over 10 million more people are benefiting from a workplace pension through automatic enrolment, alongside a fairer, simpler state pension, more generous to those who had done badly in the past, like many women. Twenty years have passed since the first Pensions Commission delivered its final report. It is time to finish the job. That means facing up to the challenges of tomorrow’s pensioners. Almost half the working-age population are not saving anything for their retirement and many who do are not saving enough. The situation is worse for certain groups. Women approaching retirement have half the private pension wealth of men. Only one in five of the self-employed are saving, with participation rates having dropped from 50% in the late 1990s. Automatic enrolment has been a gamechanger for young people between 22 and 29, with 86% of those eligible now pension savers, compared to 35% in 2012. For 18 to 21-year-olds, who just miss out on being eligible, the numbers saving plummet to just 21%.

There has also been a fundamental shift in where risk lies—from employers to individuals—with the move from defined benefit to defined contribution pensions, as well as greater pension freedoms. Rather than having a pension income for life, people now retire with a savings pot and face complex decisions about how to make the most of their pot and ensure it will last through retirement, often without much help.

On top of all these changes, we are an ageing society. By the 2070s, the number of pensioners is expected to have increased by over 50%, whereas the working-age population will have only grown by over 10%—making it even more imperative to help future pensioners put into a savings pot they can rely on in the future.

The Commission we are announcing today builds on the findings of the Pensions Investment Review, which published its final report in May 2025, and the reforms set out in our Pensions Schemes Bill to boost returns on savers’ pension pots and promote productive investment.

I am delighted that the Pensions Commission will be led by Baroness Drake, Sir Ian Cheshire and Professor Nick Pearce who together bring a wealth of public policy experience to such an important area.

Alongside reviving the Pensions Commission, I am also announcing the launch of the next statutory Government review of state pension age. In line with the legislation in section 27 of the Pensions Act 2014, I have asked the Government Actuary to report on adult life in retirement relating to state pension age. I have also appointed Dr Suzy Morrissey to prepare an independent report that will evaluate the factors Government should consider in determining state pension age.

The terms of reference for both the Pensions Commission and Dr Morrissey’s report will be made available today on the www.gov.uk website.

Being retired should be a great joy—when after all your hard work, you finally have the time to do all the things that you love. The fact that we are living longer is something we should celebrate. By reviving the Pensions Commission, and completing the job of building a pensions system fit for the 21st century, I want to ensure everyone can look forward to retirement with hope, not fear.

Attachments can be viewed online: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2025-07-21/HCWS859/

[HCWS859]

Third British Sign Language Report: 2024-25

Monday 21st July 2025 Written Statements

[The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)]

This Government are committed to ensuring that our communications are accessible and inclusive, and to reducing the barriers deaf people face in their everyday lives. The British Sign Language Act 2022 supports this by creating a greater recognition and understanding of BSL, and requires the Government to report on what Departments listed in the Act have done to promote or facilitate the use of BSL in their communications with the public.

The first report, published in July 2023 under the previous Administration, set out a baseline of activity delivered by Government Departments, highlighting the areas of Government communication that required further improvement. The second report, delayed due to the UK general election, was published in December 2024 and showed that there had been an increase in the use of BSL compared with the first report.

Although the BSL Act requires a report to be published every three years, this Government are committed to increased reporting frequency to ensure we drive progress. The third BSL report, covering the period from 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025, has now been published. A copy of the third report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and published on www.gov.uk.

This third report demonstrates an increase in the usage of BSL by Government Departments in public-facing communications since reporting started in 2023. The overall number of new BSL communications produced by Government Departments has not increased since the last reporting period—it was 176 in the second reporting period, falling to 140 in this reporting period—due to a pause in Government activity through the pre-election period in 2024. This still represents an overall increase since the first reporting period, when the overall number was 76. In addition, although they are not counted in the data for the third reporting period, it is important to note that some of the content and publications produced in earlier reporting periods remain valid and are continuing to provide up-to-date information to BSL users. It is also encouraging to see that some Departments have published BSL activity for the first time. However, it is clear that there is still more that can be done.

This year, each ministerial Department has been asked to produce a five-year BSL plan, setting out how it plans to improve the use of BSL within its Department. For many, this includes increasing awareness of BSL across the Department. These plans are published by each Department alongside the third report.

This Government want to ensure that disabled people’s views and voices are at the heart of all we do. Government communications being accessible to deaf and disabled people is essential in supporting us to achieve this goal.

This Government are committed to going further. We will be working with the BSL Advisory Board, with deaf people and their representative organisations, and with Ministers across Government, including our lead Ministers for disability, to continue to make tangible improvements for the deaf community.

We will continue to publish a report on an annual basis up to 2027, going further than the frequency required by the Act. The next report will be published in July 2026.

[HCWS861]